§500f Evaluations of abilities of armed forces and combatant commands to perform electromagnetic spectrum operations missions

Summary

By October 1, 2024, and each year through 2029, five service chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force) must evaluate how well their force can carry out electromagnetic spectrum operations. They must check performance against the Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy, the Joint Staff concept of operations, and combatant commands’ plans. Each review must look at current programs (including whether weapon systems work in contested spectrum and whether electromagnetic attack can disrupt enemies), future programs (including the need for distributed or networked electromagnetic warfare and signals intelligence, and the need for automated or machine learning/AI-assisted capabilities), order of battle, individual and unit training, tactics and procedures (for example maneuver, asset distribution, use of decoys, and mixing non-kinetic and kinetic fires), and other related matters. By December 31 of each year they must certify to the congressional defense committees that the review happened. Also by October 1, 2024, and annually through 2029, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, through the joint electromagnetic spectrum operational lead, must evaluate combatant commands’ plans and posture to carry out the strategy and concept. That evaluation must cover plans, the staffing and organization and capability of joint spectrum operations cells, mission rehearsals and exercises, and force positioning, posture, and readiness. By December 31 each year the Chairman, through the operational lead, must brief the congressional defense committees on the results.